Tips for fussy eating babies

Fuss free

Tricks to convince the fussiest of eaters

While fussy eaters can make mealtimes difficult, it is important to keep calm and carry on. Offering your baby a variety of new tastes and textures is the best way to help them get the nutrients they need. So if they refuse broccoli one day, try again – they may enjoy it next time round.

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Tips for fussy eaters

If your baby only tends to eat a few favourite foods, they will be less likely to develop a taste for a more varied and balanced diet, and can easily become a fussy eater. Most babies are accepting of a range of food tastes until they hit the toddler years. What’s important is trying to get as much variety as possible into their diet early on, to ensure they get the nutrients they need.

Here are some suggestions on how to encourage your baby to eat a wider variety of foods:

Lead by example – try some of their food yourself and make appreciative noises and expressions so your baby understands it’s something pleasant

Start small – smaller portions are less daunting and you can always offer a bit more if they enjoy it

Offer portions of different tastes so if they don’t like one thing, they can try something else – but avoid offering their favourite food too frequently

If your baby spits something out, try it again another day – perhaps mixed in with a little of their favourite food. Remember – you’ll probably have to be patient

Try the same food in different ways, such as puréed carrot and cooked carrot sticks to pick up and eat

Make meals fun and appealing by offering a rainbow of colours, like green broccoli, orange sweet potato and yellow banana – talking about the different colours can help to spark their interest

While you shouldn’t pressure your baby to eat something they dislike, a gentle prompt might persuade them to try it again

Eat meals together – children are far more likely to eat foods that you are sat eating with them

Your baby's future health begins here

Your baby's future health begins here

At Aptaclub, we believe that experience helps to build resilience; that each new encounter, whether in pregnancy or after birth, can shape your baby’s future development. With our scientific expertise and one-to-one round the clock support, we can help you and your baby embrace tomorrow.